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1 in 15 household cats may carry 'Beaver Fever' which can infect humans
Researchers tested more than 150,000 cat samples and found some infected animals carried Giardia strains that can spread to people.
- A new PLoS One study analyzing over 150,000 samples found nearly one in 15 household cats carry Giardia, with one in five infected cats harboring strains capable of infecting humans.
- Commonly known as "beaver fever," Giardia is a gastrointestinal parasite living in intestines and spreading through fecal material; the nickname originated in the 1970s after outbreaks linked to contaminated water.
- Researchers identified higher infection rates in kittens and male cats, with neutered kittens showing markedly elevated risk, possibly due to shelter exposures. The Midwest and cooler months also showed increased detection.
- Anne Kimmerlein, Global Veterinary Epidemiologist at Mars Veterinary Health, said understanding prevalence supports "earlier detection, appropriate treatment" and helps owners protect their households from exposure.
- Emergency veterinarian Stevie Aitken noted "Giardia, while prevalent and occasionally problematic, is typically very treatable," recommending annual routine testing and thorough cleaning of litter boxes to protect vulnerable household members.
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Study Warns That Common Parasite Found in Nearly 1 in 15 Household Cats May Impact Humans – Check Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention and More
Did you know that nearly 1 in 15 household cats across the US and Canada carry a parasite that’s harmful to humans as well? Not only that, at least one out of five infected cats can transmit it to humans. For the study, researchers collected 150,000 samples from cats in 49 US states and five Canadian provinces. The parasite called Giardia duodenalis can cause multiple gastrointestinal issues among humans and animals.
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Total News Sources4
Leaning Left1Leaning Right0Center2Last UpdatedBias Distribution67% Center
Bias Distribution
- 67% of the sources are Center
67% Center
L 33%
C 67%
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